With fuel prices soaring, this winter looks set to be a difficult one for people struggling to pay their energy bills. There are plenty of simple ways to save energy at home, from stopping draughts, only heating rooms where people are staying, to using air fryers and batch cooking. More advice can be found on the Energy Saving Trust website.
But what about making your home more energy efficient? Where do you start if you want to insulate your house, or install a heat pump or house battery to reduce your fuel bills?
Over two weekends in October, 36 homes across Dorset will open their doors to visitors, offering a unique opportunity to see practical examples of how homeowners are saving money.
Sam Wilberforce, one of the organisers of Dorset Greener Homes, says: “Much of the available advice on insulating your home comes from people who are trying to sell you something. By visiting private homes where the ordinary owners have installed insulation, heat pumps, solar panels or other energy-saving measures, visitors can learn directly from them and share their experiences in an unbiased way.”
The homes range from newer airtight EcoHomes with heat pumps to retrofits to homes with low-cost solutions to making a home greener.
This is the thirteenth year of the Open Greener Homes event, but this year sees several houses opening their doors for the first time.
One homeowner has installed internal wall insulation using natural materials such as sheep’s wool. The aim is not only to keep the house warm but also to avoid the damp problems that can sometimes arise when insulating older buildings. Another has installed solar panels and a home battery, and pays practically nothing for her fuel.
The homes are spread across Dorset and open on different days, and most require booking. Sam advises visitors to plan ahead. Details of the participating homes, opening times and booking arrangements can be found at www.dorsetgreenerhomes.org.
Dorset Greener Homes is part of Dorset Climate Action Network, which is also planning the Dorset COP conference in November. Details on www.dorsetcop.info.
